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The Maori All Blacks line up for the Haka against the Leicester Tigers - Source: Getty Images
The New Zealand Maori have dropped their first game of their UK tour against the Leicester Tigers 32-24 at Welford Road today.
The Jamie Joseph coached side scored three tries to two but first five-eighth George Ford proved to be the difference.
The first five-eighth scored 22 points with six penalties and two conversions to inflict the first defeat on the Maori side since they went down to the England Saxons 13-17 in the Churchill Cup in 2007.
In a side that boasted four former All Blacks and a number of star Super Rugby players, this result is a shock and will end talk that this squad should have had higher quality opposition.
The Maori All Blacks showed their intent early when Frae Wilson gave them the early lead with a try after just four minutes.
But Leicester then took control, when fullback Andre Taylor and then Jarrad Hoeata were sin-binned. In their absence, Ford added four penalties and there were tries to Niall Morris and Adam Thompstone.
Tim Bateman scored a late first half try to close the gap to 26-17 at halftime.
Down but not out, Charlie Ngatai scored the only try in the second half but two further penalties to Ford closed out the win.
The New Zealand Maori squad now travel further north to Castle Park where they will take on a RFU Championship select XV on Sunday (NZT).
The RFU Championship XV will comprise entirely of English qualified players, and will take place during a fallow week for the second-tier clubs.
Finally, the New Zealanders will play Canada at Oxford University Sports Centre on Friday, November 23.
Leicester Tigers 32 (Niall Morris, Adam Thompstone tries;
George Ford six penalties, two conversions)
New Zealand Maori 24 (Frae Wilson, Tim Bateman, Charlie
Ngatai tries; Willie Ripia three conversions, one penalty)
Halftime: 26-17